How do ants transfer food within the colony?

Ants transfer food within the colony primarily through mouth-to-mouth transfer, a process known as trophallaxis. This method allows ants to share the nutrients they've gathered from the environment directly with other colony members. By transferring food this way, ants can not only feed others but also pass along important chemical signals and information related to the food source, enhancing overall colony communication and cooperation.

This approach plays a critical role in maintaining the health and productivity of the colony, as it ensures that even the members who may not leave the nest, like the queen and larvae, receive necessary sustenance.

The other options do not encompass the primary method of food transfer among ants. Physical exchanges during fights do occur but are not related to food sharing. While storing food might happen in some species, it is not the main way food is distributed. Lastly, using pheromone trails is essential for foraging and locating food sources but does not directly involve transferring food within the colony itself.